Archive for the 'Hall Of Fame' Tag Under 'Lakers' Category

Wonder what Dennis Rodman will wear to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies?

Back in the day, the former Pistons/Bulls/Spurs/Lakers power forward was known around the league for his flashy hair and dress as he was for his devastating rebounding numbers. His hair color was as predictable as his rebounding total, although fans knew both would be entertaining.

He added tattoos and piercings to his "bad boy" image followed by wacky costumes (remember the wedding gown?) but it was his rebounding that stood out. In his 14 NBA seasons, Rodman averaged 13.1 boards -- 15.1 in his final 10 years in the league.

Although Rodman can still be unpredictable, he seemingly has settled down one month shy of his 50th birthday. He He now has a wife, a 10-year-old son and a spot reserved among the game's best.

The official announcement will be made Monday in Houston, but for Phil Jackson the news is long overdue. He believes the father of the triangle offense should have been voted in long ago.

"For the past 15 years, there have been people telling me that Tex was going into the Hall of Fame," Jackson said. "When Tex was verbally and cognizant capable of receiving this award, I would have been much happier. The fact he's had a stroke that has impaired his capabilities kind of irritates me a little bit that this wasn't done 10 years ago when he was still serving basketball in such a great capacity.

"Still, all in all, im happy that its being awarded."

Winter, 89, who assisted Jackson in Chicago and Los Angeles, suffered a debilitating stroke in April 2009 and is not expected to make it to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony Aug. 12 in Springfield, Mass.